Parc Tenbosch – Tenboschpark

Amidst the bustling energy of Brussels lies a hidden gem, Parc Tenbosch. It’s an unexpected oasis of calm. Parc Tenbosch may be small, covering just two hectares, but its story is vast and rich. Originally, this tranquil space was a private dendrological garden. It belonged to the Semet family. The garden’s namesake, Jean-Louis Semet, was a botanist with a passion for rare trees. He curated a remarkable collection. In 1885, the Semet family acquired the land. They built a chateau, complete with a garage, orchard, and vegetable patch. Jean-Louis Semet, the grandson, expanded the property. He constructed a more modern building, which today houses the Indian Embassy. In the 1950s, with the help of gardener Hector Noyer, Semet transformed the grounds into a botanical garden, featuring an impressive arboretum. Semet’s focus was on creating a diverse collection of rare and interesting tree species, many of which he sourced from the Hillier nurseries in England. His aim was to establish a unique collection, rather than a purely aesthetic garden. This focus on botanical diversity is still evident in Parc Tenbosch today. In 1982, the Brussels-Capital Region acquired the estate from Semet. They commissioned R. Pechère + Partners to transform the private garden into a public park. The landscape architects were tasked with preserving the spirit of the original Semet-Solvay garden. They incorporated the existing paths into a network of urban walks. Parc Tenbosch opened to the public in 1986. Today, local residents cherish this urban oasis. It’s a peaceful retreat. Within its walls, visitors can discover approximately 70 trees from the region’s “list of remarkable trees”. The park features a playground, a tennis court, a petanque field, and a basketball court. It’s a place where the echoes of history blend with the laughter of children. It is a testament to the vision of Jean-Louis Semet. Parc Tenbosch offers a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a verdant sanctuary in the heart of Brussels.